Drug Enforcement Unit
During the search of the hotel room, DEU and GCSO investigators located approximately 9 ounces of fentanyl, 17 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine and 262 grams of methamphetamine.
“DEU was notified through a Crime Stoppers tip that an individual was running a drug operation from a local motel located off Pelham Road. During the investigation, DEU investigators observed members of the ring visiting local banks making check deposits – commonly associated with a check cashing scheme – and enlisted the aid of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office White Collar Crime Unit,” stated Bart McEntire, Commander of the Drug Enforcement Unit.
“Members of the ring replicated routing and account numbers through the creation of fraudulent checks that on the face appeared to be legitimate and presented these to financial institutions. Investigators enlisted the assistance of the Greenville Police Department Criminal Response Team (CRT) and stopped two vehicles associated with ring members. Searches of the vehicles turned up a trove of evidence regarding the check cashing scheme leading to a search warrant on a hotel room,” stated McEntire.
During the search of the hotel room, DEU and GCSO investigators located approximately 9 ounces of fentanyl, 17 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine and 262 grams of methamphetamine. The drugs were a mixture of powdered forms of the powerful addictive drugs as well as an assortment of varying colors of pressed
“When law enforcement receives detailed information regarding criminal activity, in this case narcotics trafficking, it allows for an investigation to commence that dismantles crime,” stated McEntire. “We encourage the reporting of information through Crime Stoppers and ask that callers provide detailed information in the reporting. Without detailed information, it limits law enforcement in our ability to address the criminal activity,” stated McEntire.
Arrested were:
Trevell Demaris Nettles, age 42
Charges: Trafficking in fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and cocaine; possession of a weapon Involved in a violent crime.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with Criminal Conspiracy in connection with the check cashing scheme:
Anthony Eisley Lipscomb, age 34, Detroit, Mich. Matthew Louis Sirigano, 25, Hamilton, Ohio Kenneth Deonta Bowden, 35, Clinton, Mich.
Arrested and charged with Criminal Conspiracy and Crimes Against a Federally Chartered Institution:
Dameron Jeru Grant, 62, Greenville
Janet F. Butler, 57, Greenville.